St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School
Thornton Heath, CR7 8HJ · Croydon · primary school
Check the area around this school
22nd of 77 primary schools in Croydon we can score, 87 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 6.6/10 against 3,465 of them, against 6.1/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 71.0 · 68 | 40% | 2.73 |
| Ofsted | 96 | 35% | 3.37 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 7.0 · 51 | 25% | 1.27 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 71.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. The higher standard was reached by 7.0% of pupils, matching the national median of 7%. Ofsted rated the school Outstanding in December 2023. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (6.6 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.1 out of 10 against all schools).
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 447 pupils against a stated capacity of 420. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the curriculum support pupils who have not yet reached the higher standard in core subjects? What specific activities are available within the breakfast and after-school clubs?
What Ofsted said about St James the Great RC Primary and Nursery School
Overview
The report describes a school where leaders maintain "ambitious expectations" and deliver an "ambitious curriculum" tailored to all pupils, including those with special educational needs. Pupils demonstrate "excellent behaviour," feel safe, and are "excited about school life," contributing to a positive and respectful community. The inspection confirms the school’s previous outstanding status across all categories.
Strengths
- Leaders design a curriculum with "clear strategic vision," sequencing learning into "small steps" so pupils can build on prior knowledge effectively.
- Staff possess "strong subject knowledge" and deliver the curriculum "consistently highly," using targeted support to address misconceptions and aid pupils with SEND.
- Pupils show "mature understanding" of others’ beliefs and develop confidence through a "wealth of pupil leadership roles" and community involvement.
- Early years provision offers a "strong start," with children quickly understanding routines and developing strong language, communication, and handwriting skills.
- Behaviour is "calm and positive," with pupils focusing on learning because they are "excited by the lessons" and understand school rules.
Areas to improve
- The report notes that "pupils’ outcomes for writing have been low," though leaders have moved quickly to identify barriers and improve clarity in teaching, resulting in high-quality writing currently.
Safeguarding
The report states that "the arrangements for safeguarding are effective."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 50% |
| 2023/24 | 74% |
| 2024/25 | 71% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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